Donor Report 2009

Revitalizing a community landmark

One of Alex Colville’s prints hangs on David (’84) and Betty-Jo Booth’s living room wall. They’re big admirers of his work, and now the couple is helping to educate a community about Colville’s life and career with a leadership gift to facilitate renovations at historical Colville House.

Says David, “Alex Colville is arguably the greatest living Canadian artist. There is a very strong affinity between Mount Allison and Mr. Colville, and being able to play a role in preserving that legacy of art and creative thought for future generations to enjoy is something that really appealed to my wife Betty-Jo and me.”

Gemey Kelly, director and curator of Mount Allison’s Owens Art Gallery, says the opening of Colville house to the public will contribute to the cultural education of an entire community “Colville House has great historic meaning and significance for Mount Allison and the wider public. At the same time it points us toward future inquiry into the themes of geography, place, and the human condition, which have absorbed Alex Colville over a lifetime of art making.”  

After graduating from Mount Allison, David says he made a promise to himself that he would give back to the institution that laid the foundation for his success. And he has — through ongoing contributions of his time, talent, and resources.

David is an active member of Mount Allison’s Board of Regents and he was instrumental in establishing the University’s National Advisory Council. He has made donations to a range of projects, including Class Projects, the 5th Quarter Club, the Commerce Department, and the University’s general endowment. And when his father passed away in 2002, he established the Edwin James Booth Scholarship.

Says Betty-Jo, “Even though we live in Washington, David still feels a very strong connection to the Maritimes. Mount Allison was a huge sending off point for his future successes, and he loves to see young people go on and do well for themselves. This scholarship was our chance to both honour the memory of his father, and help facilitate a great future for some deserving students.”

David and Betty-Jo’s contribution to Colville House marked an important milestone in their giving — they surpassed the $500-thousand mark of lifetime donations to Mount Allison. Still, David says his philosophy about philanthropy has little to do with money.

“I firmly believe that it’s not so important what people give; it’s that they give. And that doesn’t necessarily mean money. Those gifts of time — presenting a guest lecture, attending a football game, or becoming a volunteer — those are the intangibles that really enrich the university experience and reward the giver. I would love to see more people get involved with their alma mater.”